Lead Advocate

The Children's Society; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36 days annual leave

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Pension matching up to 8%

Free counselling service

Volunteer days

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Children’s Society in Manchester is seeking a Lead Advocate to join the Cheshire West and Chester Advocacy Service, delivering independent advocacy for children and young people under CIN/CP or with disabilities. The role focuses on child-centred practice, safeguarding, and collaborative working with partners across agencies.

The post is permanent with funding until 31 March 2028, 28 hours per week, based in Wythenshawe with regular travel across Cheshire West and Chester and to out-of-area

Qualifications

• Experience of advocating for children and young people and ensuring their voices are heard in decisions affecting their lives.
• Ability to supervise, coach and support colleagues whilst promoting safeguarding and advocacy practice.
• Experience of risk assessment, referral triage and partnership working with social care, education, health and other agencies.
• Knowledge of advocacy approaches for CIN/CP and rights of the child is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Deliver independent advocacy support to children and young people funded by local authority plans.
• Provide leadership, supervision and practice support to Advocates.
• Manage a complex caseload while ensuring high standards of safeguarding.

Job description

Lead Advocate- Cheshire West and Chester

Permanent with Funding until 31st March 2028

28 hours per week

Location: Office base: Wythenshawe, Manchester, with regular travel across Cheshire West and Chester and to out-of-area placements as required.

Benefits include but not limited to:

• 36 days’ annual leave [full time roles only], inclusive of flexible bank holidays, increasing with length of service
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
• We match up to 8% pension
• Free counselling service
• Opportunities to develop and widen your skills
• 2 days of paid volunteering time per annum to support another part of the organisation

About us: The Children’s Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We deliver essential local services that provide safe, trusted support to children and young people during times of significant need.

Our Youth Impact domain creates impact for children and young people. With highly skilled and experienced staff working across England and Wales, we provide direct support to children, young people, parents and carers, as well as conduct research and influence Government to make changes. We also provide training for professionals. Our value driven team change the lives of children in this country for the better — and with your help and expertise, tomorrow we can support even more.

About the role:

You'll play a key part in our Cheshire West and Chester Advocacy Service, delivering independent advocacy support to children and young people who are cared for by the local authority, subject to Child in Need and Child Protection Plans, children and young people with disabilities, and those requiring non-instructed advocacy.

We're looking for a dedicated and experienced Lead Advocate with the ability to manage a complex caseload whilst providing leadership, supervision and practice support to Advocates, making a real impact in the lives of children and young people.

Key skills and experience:

The required skills and competencies for this role are:

• Experience of advocating for children and young people and ensuring their voices, wishes and feelings are heard in decisions affecting their lives.
• Ability to supervise, coach and support colleagues whilst promoting high standards of safeguarding and advocacy practice.
• Experience of risk assessment, referral triage and partnership working with social care, education, health and other agencies.

It would also be an advantage if you have any of the following skills and competencies:

• Experience of working with children and young people who are cared for, subject to CIN or CP Plans, or have disabilities and additional needs.
• Experience of undertaking case audits, quality assurance activities or service improvement work.
• Knowledge of instructed and non-instructed advocacy approaches and children's rights legislation.

Closing date: Midnight on 23rd August
Interviews: To be confirmed

The Children’s Society is committed to safeguarding and protection of the children and young people we work with. As such, our safer recruitment process includes a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, 5 years of references, and additional vetting checks relevant to the role. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation.

In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, shortlisting is carried out on an anonymised basis. Personal details are hidden from the shortlisting panel, and candidates are referenced by a candidate number only. As part of this process, we ask that your CV is anonymised before submission - this means removing personal information such as your name, contact details, age, and any other identifying details.

AI tools can support your application but only when used appropriately. You’re welcome to use them to improve clarity, structure, and research. However, overuse or misuse (e.g. inventing experience or using AI during assessments) may lead to rejection at any stage. We want to hear the real you - authenticity matters.